EAST OAHU

East Oahu or a the Kama’aina (locals) call it the Windward side runs from Makapu’u Point to Waiahole and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Ko’olau Mountain Range of the other side. Along the East Oahu coastline you will find some of the best beaches on Oahu. You will find the #1 Lanikai Beach, #2 Kailua Beach and Maleakaha Beach. These are the top two beaches of the Top 10 Oahu Beaches.

From the southern point “Makapu’u Point you will find the hiking path to Makapu'u Lighthouse. On the way to the lighthouse you will see a rock formation called Pele’s chair, which Hawaiians believe is the spot where Pele left Oahu to find a new place to live. (Pele now lives on the big island of Hawaii inside Kilauea Volcano). You have a Fantastic view of Makapu’u beach and Rabbit Island. You can see the hang gliders from the cliffs above land on the beach. Just across the street is Sea Life Park.Sea Life Park is Hawaii’s answer to Sea World.

A few miles drive and you reach the 75 acre Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area. This is a great picnicking spot with plenty of shade. If you want to take a swim, Waimanalo beach is a perfect place to swim and for beginner to surf or body board. About 10 more miles and you reach Kailua. Kailua is the third largest city on Oahu and it is the place I wish I could call “home”. Kailua has the Top two beaches, fine shopping centers and golf courses. This is a great spot for windsurfing and kayaking. A few more miles up the road is Kaneohe. Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is located in Kaneohe. This park is the one with a lake that allows camping.

Kaneohe is also where you will find the Valley Of The Temples which has the replica of the Byodi-In Temple. There is also a large statue of Buddha and a Meditation Pagoda. This east Oahu valley is full of sparrows and peacocks and it is a great place to take a tranquil walk. Kaneohe is also home to the Windward Mall. The Windward Mall is the largest shopping on the Windward side of Oahu and sits in front of the koolaupoko Mountain Range.

Continuing along the highway towards the north are some of the most picturesque beaches in Oahu. The beachfront is close to the highway so this is a perfect location for postcard quality photos.